2012 princeton environmental film festival schedule

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S

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WELCOME to the 2012 Princeton Environmental Film Festival, sponsored by Princeton Public Library.

Founded in 2006, PEFF’s mission is to use film as a medium to raise awareness and encourage discussion about the environment and to stimulate community action, to develop and make more sustainable choices, and to create more livable communities. We are thrilled that the greater Princeton community comes together to make this happen in the long, cold days and nights of winter in New Jersey.

You can keep up on news and festival updates on our Facebook page, facebook.com/princetonenvironmentalfilmfestival and on Twitter using the hashtag #peff2012. Details: www.princetonlibrary.org/peff.

Local businesses, organizations and schools can get involved with the PEFF by connecting with us to promote the festival and to encourage their customers, members and students/faculty to come to Princeton to enjoy the festival.

Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in financial sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Princeton Public Library Development Director Lindsey Forden, at the Princeton Public Library, by telephone at 609.924.9529, ext. 251 or by e-mail at [email protected].

To find films from the festival available on DVD in the Princeton Public Library collection, please search the library’s online catalog for PEFF.

Please contact me with any questions about the films or other events from previous years and the 2012 Princeton Environmental Film Festival. You can reach me by telephone at 609.924.9529 ext. 247 or by email at [email protected].

Susan ConlonFestival Director

ON THE COVER: A scene from “If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.”

Designed and produced by the Communications Office of Princeton Public Library; Tim Quinn, communications director. Printed on 100 percent recycled paper , which was manufactured using wind power.

For more information about all films and speakers, please visit www.princetonlibrary.org/peff

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 Jan. 26, 7 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Connected” Equal parts documentary and memoir, this Princeton Environmental Film Festival opener takes viewers on a roller coaster ride toward discovering what it means to be connected in the 21st century. Director Tiffany Shlain, whom Newsweek named one of the “Women Shaping the 21st Century,” will answer questions after the screening. 1 hour, 25 minutes.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27Jan. 27, 4 p.m.Film: “Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air” This PBS Nature documentary showcases the stunning abilities of hummingbirds using cameras that capture 500 images per second. 50 minutes.

Jan 27, 7 p.m.Film and Discussion“Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us?” An alarming inquiry into the insights behind scientist Rudolf Steiner’s 1923 prediction that honeybees would collapse within 80 to 100 years. Producer/director Taggart Siegel examines the dire global bee crisis through the eyes of beekeepers, scientists, farmers and philosophers. Producer John Betz will participate in a post-screening discussion via webcam.1 hour, 22 minutes. Co-sponsored by the library and the Waldorf School of Princeton.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28KIDS+ Jan. 28, 11 a.m.Talk and Demonstration: “Amazing Animals” New Jersey Audubon will share the many traits and characteristics of the animal kingdom from insects to mammals. Live animals native to our state will add to the learning experience. Community Room

Jan. 28, 12:30 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Shellshocked: Saving Oysters to Save Ourselves” This film follows efforts to prevent the extinction of wild oyster reefs which are vital to keeping the oceans healthy. A post-screening discussion will feature director/producer/editor Emily Driscoll; Meredith Comi, director of New York and New Jersey Baykeeper’s oyster restoration program; and envrionmental artist Mara Haseltine, who creates non-toxic oyster sculptures that are habitats for future aquatic life. 39 minutes.

Tiffany Shlain

“Queen of the Sun”

Emily Driscoll


Jan. 28, 2 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Rescuing the Raritan”This one-hour documentary tells the compelling story of a river that has been profoundly contaminated over 200 years and of the extraordinary efforts to clean it up. It reveals how government agencies, powerful corporations, environmentalists, developers, scientists and lawyers have all clashed in their attempts to deal with the aftermath of extensive pollution and environmental neglect. A post-screening discussion will feature writer-director-editor Eric Schultz and Jim Waltman, executive director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watersed Association.

Jan. 28, 4 p.m.Panel Discussion: Independent Filmmakers Environmental filmmakers Steve Chernoski, Emily Driscoll, Jared Flesher, Tish Streeten, Christian Schuller and Robert Szuter discuss the nuts and bolts of documentary filmmaking, including advice for beginners. The session will culminate with a sneak preview of “Sourlands,” Flesher’s new film about human and ecological sustainability in central New Jersey. Jan. 28, 7 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Revenge of the Electric Car” Director Chris Paine takes his film crew behind the closed doors of Nissan, GM, and the Silicon Valley start-up Tesla Motors to chronicle the story of the global resurgence of electric cars. A post-screening discussion will feature Chuck Feinberg, chairman of the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition and president of Feinberg Sustainability Consulting. 1 hour, 30 minutes. Co-sponsored by the library and the American Jewish Committee of Central New Jersey.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m.Film and Discussion: “Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization”This documentary based on the book by environmental visionary Lester Brown is the 12th episode of the PBS series “Journey to Planet Earth.” The film features some of the world’s most influential and original thinkers discussing a new and emerging economy based upon renewable sources plus realistic strategies to avoid the growing threat of global warming. A post-screening discussion will feature producers Hal and Marilyn Weiner. Light refreshments will be served. 1 hour, 24 minutes.

“Rescuing the Raritan”

“Revenge of the Electric Car”

“Hal

and M

arilyn

Wein

er

Jared Flesher


Jan. 29, 1 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Food Stamped” This informative and humorous documentary, directed by Shira an Yoav Potash, follows a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. Along the way, they consult with members of Congress, food justice organizations, nutrition experts and people living on food stamps. Liz Cohen of Yes We Can! Food Drives will lead a post-screening discussion featuring Mark Smith, food services director of the Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton; Rucha Gadre, SNAP outreach coordinator from Mercer Street Friends; and Julia Hicks de Peyster, a former Princeton resident and graduate of Princeton University who attempted to feed her family of five on the allotted food stamp budget for 40 days. 1 hour, 5 minutes. Donations of fresh produce will be gratefully accepted at the screening.

Jan. 29, 4 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Overdrive: Istanbul in the New Millennium” This documentary tells the story of Istanbul’s struggle to come to terms with accelerated population growth and car-centric policies that have dominated its development in the last five decades – issues that are challenging megacities around the world. A post-screening discussion will feature director Aslihan Unaldi and executive producer Sibel Bulay. 1 hour, 3 minutes.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2Feb. 2, 4 p.m.Film: “Silent Snow”When a young Inuit woman invetigates the sources of pollution of the Arctic plains across three continents, she is confronted with conflicting interests of agriculture, industries and health care. 1 hour, 11 minutes.

Feb. 2, 7 p.m.Film and Discussion: “SoLa, Louisiana Water Stories” Director Jon Bowermaster’s one-hour documentary takes a poignant look back at a way of life that may be gone forever since the massive 2008 oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico – what he calls “the worst manmade ecologic disaster ever.” Bowermaster will lead a post-screening discussion. 1 hour, 2 minutes.

“Food Stamped”

Jon Bowermaster

“Overdrive: Istanbul in the New Millennium”


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3Feb. 3, 4 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Call of Life” This film looks at the growing threat posed by the rapid and massive loss of biodiversity on the planet. Featuring leading scientists, social scientists, environmentalists and others, it explores the scope, causes and predicted global impact of a mass extinction occurring on a scale not seen since the disappearance of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Executive Producer David Ulansey will lead a post-screening discussion. 1 hour.

Feb. 3, 7 p.m.Film and Discusssion: “Buck” This film follows cowboy and real-life “horse-whisperer” Buck Brannaman, who travels the country nine months each year to help horses with people problems. The film chronicles Brannaman’s life, from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. Hunterdon County horseman Peter Boglioli will lead a post-screening discussion. 1 hour, 28 minutes.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4KIDS+ Feb. 4, 10 a.m.Film: “African Cats” An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth. This children’s film captures

“The Clean Bin Project”

Peter Boglioli


the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the Savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once-banished lion. 1 hour, 29 minutes.

KIDS+ Feb. 4, 1 p.m.Talk: “Energy Zone: Get All Charged Up About Energy” Explore how we power our world, and help turn energy into all sorts of fun forms with Wondergy, a Philadelphia-based science entertainment group. Turn your motion into electricity, capture light, and save some energy. Community Room

Feb. 4, 4 p.m.Film: “The Clean Bin Project” The serious topics of modern consumption habits and waste reduction are presented in an uplifting and humorous way through the story of a couple’s competition to see who can produce the least amount of garbage in an entire year. 1 hour, 17 minutes. Community Room

“African Cats”

Wondergy Energy Zone


Feb. 4, 7 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Journey of the Universe” From the Big Bang to the epic impact humans have on the planet today, this film is designed to inspire a new and closer relationship with Earth during a period of growing environmental and social crisis. Executive Producers Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim will lead a post-screening discussion. 1 hour.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5Feb. 5, 1 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Dolphin Boy” Morad, a teenager from an Arab village in the north of Israel, withdraws after experiencing a violent attack. As a last resort before hospitalization, his father takes him to be treated with dolphins in Eilat. Morad starts speaking again after months of silence, but he erases his past and refuses to go home. This documentary, filmed over four years, is about the devastating havoc that violence can wreak upon the human soul, and about the healing powers of nature and of love. Executive Producer Judith Manassen Ramon will lead a post-screening discussion. 1 hour, 12 minutes.

Feb. 5, 4 p.m.Film: “Mother: Caring for 7 Billion”Since the 1960s, the world population has nearly doubled, adding more than 3 billion people. At the same time, talking about population has become politically incorrect because of the sensitivity of the issues surrounding the topic: religion, economics, family planning and gender inequality. The film illustrates both the over consumption and the inequity side of the population issue by following Beth, a mother, a child-rights activist and the last sibling of a large American family of 12, as she discovers the thorny complexities of the population dilemma and highlights a different path to solve it. 1 hour, 15 minutes.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9Feb. 9, 7 p.m.Author Donovan Hohn “Moby-Duck” Investigating the mysterious loss of thousands of bath toys at sea, the author is pulled in to the secretive world of shipping conglomerates, the daring work of Arctic researchers, the lunatic risks of maverick sailors and the shadowy world of Chinese toy factories. “Moby-Duck” is a journey into the heart of the sea and an adventure through science, myth, the global economy, and some of the worst weather imaginable. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Mary Evelyn Tucker

“Dolphin Boy”

“Mother: Caring for 7 Billion”

Donovan Hohn


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10Feb. 10, 8:30 a.m.Great Ideas Breakfast Sustainable Princeton hosts this event featuring “lightning talks” by the organization’s volunteers and a preview of a new Green Map project for Princeton.

Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m.Film and Discussion: “Urban Roots” This film follows the urban farming phenomenon in Detroit and speaks to a nation grappling with collapsed industrial towns and the need to forge a sustainable and prosperous future. Director Mark MacInnis will participate in a post-screening discussion via webcam. 1 hour, 34 minutes.

Feb. 10, 1 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Sacred Poison” Featuring filmmaker Yvonne Latty. Details at princetonlibrary.org/peff.

KIDS+ Feb. 10, 4 p.m.Habitat Adventures Snakes ‘n’ Scales presents animals from two of the most amazing habitats on Earth: the Southeast Asian Rain Forest and the South African Veldt. The online game “Habitat Ad-ventures” will be on the festival webpage.

Feb. 10, 7 p.m.Film and Discussion: “If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front” By focusing on the transformation and radicalization of one of its members, this film traces the rise and fall of a large cell of the Earth Liberation Front, an organization the FBI characterized as “America’s No. 1 terrorism threat.” Co-director Sam Cullman will lead a post-screening discussion. 1 hour, 25 minutes. Co-sponsored by the library and American Documentary/POV.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11KIDS+ Feb. 11, 11 a.m.Next Generation Environmental FairAll ages are invited to come together with local students and discuss ongoing sustainability initiatives at area middle and high schools. Come discover what today’s youth are doing to help preserve our planet. LiCo-sponsored by the library and Princeton Day School.

Feb. 11, 4 p.m.Film and Discussion: “Truck Farm”Using green-roof technology and heirloom seeds, filmmaker Ian Cheney plants a garden on the only land he has: an old pick-up truck. Once the mobile garden begins to sprout, view-ers are trucked across New York to see the city’s farms, and to find out if America’s largest city can learn to feed itself. Cheney will lead a post-screening discussion. 48 minutes.

“Urban Roots”

Sam Cullman

“Truck Farm”


Feb. 11, 7 p.m.Film and Discussion: “The City Dark” — When filmmaker Ian Cheney moves to New York City and discovers skies almost completely devoid of stars, he wonders what we lose when we lose the night. The film spans a journey to America’s brightest and darkest corners. Astronomers, cancer researchers, ecologists and philosophers provide glimpses of what is lost in the glare of city lights. Blending a humorous, searching tone with poetic footage of the night sky, what unravels is an introduction to the science of the dark and an exploration of the human relationship to the stars. Cheney will lead a post-screening discussion. Light refreshments will be served. 1 hour, 24 minutes.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12Feb. 12, 11 a.m.Film: “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” — Directed by Werner Herzog, the film follows an exclusive expedition into the nearly inaccessible Chauvet Cave in France, home to some of the most ancient visual art known to have been created by man. The film provides a unique glimpse of pristine artwork dating back more than 30,000 years, nearly two times older than any previous discovery. 1 hour, 30 minutes.

“Cave of Forgotten Dreams”

“The City Dark”


Feb. 12, 1 p.m.Panel Discussion: “Green Burial is a Natural” This discussion will focus on ecological “green” burials and natural, economic and meaningful funerals. Featured will be author Mark Harris and Laurie Powsner of the Funeral Consumer Alliance, Princeton. Amy Browne, co-director of “A Will for the Woods,” a soon-to-be-released feature documentary on the green burial movement, will preview scenes from the film and join the panel discussion. Co-sponsored by the library and the Funeral Consumer Alliance, Princeton.

Feb. 12, 3 p.m.Short films and talk by Stan Waterman and Carrie ManfrinoWaterman, a legendary underwater photographer, filmmaker and diver, and Manfrino, director of research and conservation for the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, will discuss their work.

Feb. 12, 4:30 p.m.Film and Discussion: “The Whale” — This film tells the true story of a young, wild killer whale, an Orca nicknamed Luna, who became lost on the coast of British Columbia and turned up alone in a narrow stretch of sea between mountains, a place called Nootka Sound. Directors Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit will participate in a post-screening discussion via webcam. 1 hour, 25 minutes.

Stan Waterman

“The Whale”

“A Will for the Woods”


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SUPPORT The Princeton Environmental Film Festival is organized by library staff with the help of a community planning committee: Tom Adelman, Erica Bess, Clancy August, Susan Conlon, Liz Cutler, Kim Dorman, Janice Hall, Shelly Hawk, Steve Hiltner, Jinny Jeong, Lindsey Kayman, Rees Keck, Diane Landis, Martha Perry Liu, Kai Marshall-Otto, Dorothy Mullen, Karen K. Nathan, Margaret O’Gorman, Natasha Shatzkin, Corey Sperling, Matt Spewak, Adam Straus-Goldfarb and Bainy Suri.

The festival is made possible through funding provided by The American Jewish Committee of Central New Jersey, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Bert Kerstetter, greendesign, Princeton Black Squirrel, The Waldorf School of Princetonand The Whole Earth Center of Princeton.

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR PARTICIPATINGAmerican Jewish Committee of Central New Jerseybent spoon ice creamConserve Wildlife Foundation of New JerseyThe Crisis Ministry of Princeton and TrentonThe D&R Greenway Land TrustFarmer Steve’s Popcorngreendesign - an eco-goods storeHometown Princeton Infini-T Cafe Spice SoukIslesJohn Witherspoon Middle School Environmental ClubLabyrinth BooksNaked PizzaThe Nassau InnOASIS (Organizing Action on Sustainability In Schools)OlivesOlivinePrinceton Black SquirrelPrinceton Day School EnAct ClubPrinceton Environmental CommissionPrinceton Environmental InstitutePrinceton Farmers’ MarketPrinceton High School Environmental ClubPrinceton Living WellThe Princeton Record ExchangePrinceton Regional SchoolsPrinceton Tour Company - Biking and Walking ToursPrinceton University Office of SustainabilitySavory Spice ShopSierra Club, Central New Jersey GroupSmall World CoffeeStony Brook-Millstone Watershed AssociationSuppers ProgramSustainable PrincetonTerhune OrchardsTerraCycleTerra Momo Restaurant GroupTrenton AtelierThe Waldorf School of PrincetonWhole Earth Center of PrincetonYes We CAN! Food DrivesFor more information: Susan Conlon I 609.924.9529, ext. 247 I [email protected]

When you purchase a 100 percent U.S. corn plastic commemorative PEFF/Princeton Black Squirrel mug, you’ll get a free beverage from Dispensa Café and the satisfaction of supporting our award-winning film festival.

2012 princeton environmental film festival schedule

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